This Is What Happens When Indian Territory Gets an NBA Team

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It was somewhat inevitable that when Oklahoma City got its NBA team, the Thunder (in 2008), it would have a lot of Native American fans. But does the Thunder have the most Native American fans? Could it be that the Oklahoma City Thunder is Indian country's favorite team?

That's merely conjecture, and certainly some other teams, like the Phoenix Suns, have a hell of a lot of Native fans as well. But being situated right there in the former Indian Territory (as Oklahoma was once called), the Thunder are bound to get some fan enthusiasm with a Native flair -- and that's exacty what Shawnee Designz have come to specialize in. The company makes intricate, dazzling beaded accessories and regalia, and lately they've applied their talents to Thunder-themed bling.

This gallery contains a good deal of Shawnee Designz's Thunder work, which includes logo medallions, necklaces, earrings, and a large "Thunderstorm" medallion dedicated to NBA MVP Kevin Durant. That last one is now the property of acclaimed Native filmmaker and artist Steven Paul Judd. Watch facebook.com/shawneedesignz for new items.

And -- should we say it? Go Thunder! They're playing the L.A. Clippers tonight at 10:30 PM eastern, 7:30 pacific.

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